Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in Side sim: Valentine’s Day with Roman and Rand

(snip)

Rand hugged him suddenly, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him into a tight embrace. He put his arms around her and smiled again. “I’m glad you like it.” After a few moments he let her go and put his hand out for hers. “Are you ready to go?”

~ Roman

Roman let go and asked if she was ready to go. She needed to put the carving somewhere. She moved across the room, the skirt swirling and fluffing from the motion and set ‘Nibbles’ on her bedside table. Then she returned, setting her hand in his. “I am.” She was ready to go, she wasn’t sure she was ready to attend a party. They’d always been a problem for her. She’d managed, thanks to Randy. Over the years Randy had helped her come up with several ways to deal with the crowds and press and socializing. Randy had always been there, reminding her and even dealing with it for her. This would not be that bad. Go in, check on things, and then leave. Roman would be with her and Randy would be somewhere. There was less than 100 people on board, so it could not be that crowded.

They made their way to the turbolift. No one was getting on with them, Deck 3 only holding command and support quarters. The lift did stop on deck 5 and 6 as others got on and off to either attend or get ready for the party. No one said anything, but there were some widening of eyes before people returned to whatever conversations they had been having. Rand squeezed his arm gently where it was tucked into his elbow. It could have been nerves or it simply could have been she was happy to be with him.

Rand

Roman seemed oblivious to the widening of eyes and the momentary hushing of words as people loaded into the lift. He didn’t seem to mind the occasional stare either. When Rand squeezed his arm he looked at her and smiled.

The gym had been done up for the Valentines dance. The walls were decorated, the lights were brought down to change the atmosphere, and there was a table with (nonalcoholic) drinks. The dance had a good turnout, for a ship of less than one hundred, there must have been sixty or so people there. Roman headed in with Rand, politely greeting anyone they passed.

~ Roman

Rand was okay as they entered, all the color and finery reminded her of the large dance scene from Pride and Prejudice, one of her favorite scenes. She really wasn’t looking at it from the perspective of a party goer, but as the yeoman that was responsible for making sure it went off without a hitch. There was already a decent turnout. The party would go long into the night, crossing over both shifts to make sure everyone had a chance to go and enjoy themselves. The decorations weren’t falling, the lights weren’t sputtering, and the drink table hadn’t been spilt. No fires for her to put out.

Most people greeted Roman and Rand due to proximity and familiarity. Some felt the need to greet them because of their position on the ship, others because they were friendly and talking to everyone, the social event and distraction from duty making them happy, and others because they were nosey and wanted to know if Roman and Rand were there together as a couple or simply because Rogers wasn’t going to escort the yeoman. Oddly enough Rand seemed a natural to all the commotion. She spoke softly and directly to each person. One of the things Randy had helped her with: talk to one person only, don’t allow the press of people to overwhelm her with lots of questions and people to answer. It stopped Rand from getting overwhelmed with who she was answering and who to answer next. Of course the people here weren’t flashing cameras and microphones at her, or asking for autographs or telling her how much they loved her and little girls saying they wanted to be like her, or atrociously bold boys trying to gain her attention.

Across the gym, Randy caught her eye and grinned with a wink, as she spun Morgan around the dance floor. His skill was easily as good as Roman but with a flair that was all Randy. Franks, holding hands with Miller, walked in. Miller nudged Franks in the ribs and grinned widely with a ‘Aww’ look on her face when she spotted Roman and Rand. Franks grinned, Miller was such a sucker for romance. Coming up beside them, Franks greeted them, “Good evening Cmdr, Ensign.” Miller smiled at Randy. “Rand this looks amazing, you all did a wonderful job.” Rand smiled, genuine and seemed easy enough, “I’m glad you like it. I didn’t really do much, you should tell Cynvough, he designed and made all the decorations.” Miller told her she would do that, they were very nice and credit was due. Miller was also one of the few who was more interested in her own evening rather than Rand’s.

Rand